“The mood around Real is very much that Casillas will leave this summer” — and that the European champions want De Gea as his direct replacement this summer.”

According to the site El Confidencial, Real are very aware of the PR backlash if they appear tobe seen to be pushing Casillas out of the club, given his legendary status.

El Confidencial this week detailed some of the figures involved; Casillas could be set to receive an extra €3.5 million in bonuses, on top of the €22 million for a contract that is set to end in 2017.

Real know that they ultimately need Casillas to go if they are to bring in Manchester United goalkeeper De Gea this summer, to be their long-term No. 1. Casillas is aware of this, and it puts him in an advantageous bargaining position.

As for David de Gea, he so far has refused to sign a new contract with United and stories have been leaking out of the Spanish press for months now about how much Real want De Gea to take over from Casillas.

Left unsaid is where would Casillas go? After spending 18 seasons at the Bernabéu, I cannot see King Iker going anywhere in Europe where he could potentially face his former club. Could he come to Major League Soccer? Maybe, but MLS clubs don’t usually play DP money for a goalkeeper, even with with a resume like Iker Casillas.